Food is any substance, usually composed primarily of carbohydrates, fats, water and/or proteins, that can be eaten or drunk by an animal for nutrition and/or pleasure.

Most traditions have a recognizable cuisine, a specific set of cooking traditions, preferences, and practices, the study of which is known as food science (gastronomy). The study of food is called food science. In English, the substance food is often used metaphorically or figuratively, as in food for thought.